NCJ Number
116041
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 26 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1989) Pages: 57-62
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This survey of issues pertaining to the procurement of equipment needed to prepare State and local law enforcement agencies for the counterterrorist mission focuses on bombs and explosives, weapons, clothing, and rappelling.
Abstract
Equipment suggestions are general in nature and accommodate a broad range of potential requirements. While the author recommends that police departments rely on Federal agencies or the military for bomb disposal, it does discuss bomb detection devices. Weapons needed to equip sniper and fire power units are detailed, as are communication items, camouflage clothing, binoculars, and night vision devices. Among the other areas covered are submachine guns for hostage rescue teams, assault rifles, pistols, lighting devices, uniforms, footwear, and body armor. A section on approach and entry addresses modern rappelling equipment, simple and high technology entry devices, and explosive breaching. The article considers stun grenades, but recommends their use only for the most severe crisis situations involving substantial threats to human life. Also described is equipment needed by a hostage negotiator.